Reifen show organizers to honor innovations

ESSEN, Germany (May 16, 2014) — The organizers of the Reifen 2014 trade show in Essen, running May 27-30, will honor the best technology, products, services and processes with “Innovation Awards” to be presented during the show.

Show organizers Messe Essen and Bundesverband Reifenhandel und Vulkaniseur-Handwerk e. V. (Federal Association of the Tire Trade and the Vulcanisers' Skilled Trade) will present the Innovation Awards at a ceremony on May 26 before the show opens to the manufacturers of the best innovations.

The awards will be given in four categories: technology/products; service concepts/process optimization; environmental/resource conservation; and motor vehicle service. The latter of these will be awarded for the first time.

This will be the fifth time the organizers have made these awards.

A 13-member manufacturer-independent expert jury with representatives from industry, the economy, the trade and the press will judge the entries on criteria such as environmental compatibility, sustainability, resource saving and innovation content, Messe Essen said.

The show will be held at Messe Essen, the Essen fairgrounds. The show is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the 27th to 29th and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the 30th. A single-day ticket costs 26 euros (approximately $35.50).

The organizers are expecting a record crowd for the event, which has attracted more than 650 exhibitors from 44 countries, including 200 from Germany, 146 from China and 20 from the U.S. and Canada. More than 140 of the companies exhibiting are tire manufacturers, tire importers/distributors and/or private brand marketers, according to an analysis of the exhibitor listing.

The show attracted roughly 19,000 visitors two years ago.

The Tire Industry Association (TIA) is sponsoring a U.S. Pavilion at the show, in Hall 5. TIA will host a reception in its booth, 5A27, on May 28 from 5-7 p.m. The Tire Retread & Repair Information Bureau is sharing the booth with TIA.